Irresistible PB&J Blondies Chewy Sweet Ultimate Treat
Table of Contents
Introduction
PB&J blondies : Did you know that the average American eats over 6.5 pounds of peanut butter every year? It’s not just a pantry staple—it’s a national obsession. And when you think back to the lunches of your childhood, chances are PB&J sandwiches were a comforting classic that showed up more than once. But what if we told you that those familiar flavors could be transformed into a chewy, buttery, bakery-worthy dessert bar that hits both your sweet tooth and your nostalgic heart?
Enter: PB&J blondies. These aren’t your ordinary dessert squares. With a rich base of brown sugar and peanut butter, a gooey swirl of your favorite jam or jelly, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, these blondies are the ultimate mashup of comfort food and modern indulgence. Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping for a weekend brunch, or surprising coworkers with a fun treat, these bars are guaranteed to draw smiles—and second servings.
I first baked a batch of these on a rainy Saturday when I was craving something cozy but not too complicated. As they came out of the oven, the house filled with that unmistakable peanut-buttery aroma, and I knew they’d be special. One bite in, and I was instantly transported to school lunch days—but with a grown-up richness and depth of flavor that only blondies can offer.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of this foolproof PB&J blondies recipe—from choosing the right kind of peanut butter and jam, to getting the perfect balance of chew and softness. It’s easy, kid-friendly, adult-approved, and completely irresistible.
So if you’re ready to take a childhood favorite and turn it into your next baking obsession, grab your spatula—because these PB&J blondies are calling your name.
Ingredients List
For these scrumptious PB&J blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup of your favorite fruit jam (strawberry, grape, or raspberry work great)
Substitutions: For a healthier option, consider using almond butter or sunflower seed butter. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar to provide a nutty sweetness.
Timing
Preparing your PB&J blondies is quick and hassle-free. Here’s a breakdown of your timing:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
This is about 20% less time than the average baking recipe, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your blondies bake evenly from the moment you pop them in.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This little tip will help you avoid sticky situations!
Step 3: Cream Together the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Sugars and Eggs
Next, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Then, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract for that aromatic kick!
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, folding it in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your blondies to remain tender and chewy!
Step 6: Add the Jam
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of your fruit jam of choice. The key here is to swirl it in so that you get pockets of jam throughout your blondies without completely mixing it in.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious creations!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a handy overview of the nutritional values per blondie (based on cutting into 16 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
These blondies balance nutrition and indulgence appropriately, making them a perfect dessert option.
Healthier Alternatives for the PB&J blondies
Don’t worry if you’re craving a lighter version of these PB&J blondies! Here are some suggestions:
- Flour Alternative: Consider using almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar, adjusting the liquid content slightly.
- Fat Reduction: Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce; it keeps the moist texture while cutting calories.
By making these swaps, you maintain the essence of the original recipe while accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences.
Serving Suggestions
While these blondies are delightful on their own, consider elevating their presentation with these fun serving ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra jam.
- Top with chopped nuts for a delightful crunch, balancing creaminess and texture.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit (think strawberries or raspberries) for a burst of freshness.
These suggestions create versatility, inviting everyone to savor them just the way they like!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common baking pitfalls can make a significant difference in the outcome of your PB&J blondies. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep blondies moist and chewy.
- Wrong Measurements: Be precise with ingredients. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially when measuring flour.
- Skipping Cooling Time: Letting blondies cool before cutting will ensure clean, nice squares that don’t crumble.
Armed with a little knowledge, you can avoid these common pitfalls and bake up a perfect batch!
Storing Tips for the PB&J blondies
These PB&J blondies are just as delicious a few days later! To maintain their freshness:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped blondies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge!
Proper storage techniques will keep your treats charmingly soft and flavorful.
Conclusion
Your journey into baking PB&J blondies is sure to be a delightful one. With a quick prep time, simple ingredients, and endless customization options, you’ll find these bars an irresistible treat. Try the recipe, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious updates!
Discover our other delicious recipe in the same category : Delicious Dessert Chips Salsa Sweet Flavor Explosion
FAQs
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just be aware that natural peanut butter can be runnier than conventional peanut butter, so it may affect the texture. If using natural peanut butter, it might help to refrigerate it for a bit before incorporating it.
Q: How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
A: The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more time in the oven.
Q: Can I substitute other types of jam?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors like apricot, blueberry, or peach jam! Each will infuse your blondies with unique tastes. Just ensure that the consistency is similar to what you originally intended to use.
Q: Are these blondies gluten-free?
A: The standard recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by using a store-bought gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I make these blondies vegan?
A: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
Print
Irresistible PBJ Blondies Chewy Sweet Ultimate Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these irresistible PBJ blondieschewy sweet and the ultimate treat to satisfy your cravings Perfect for any dessert lover
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 21 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
